New Zealand, A Story of Unplanned Adventures!
Let me start by saying my move to New Zealand was an impulsive one. I quit my job in the U.K. and booked a one-way ticket to New Zealand all on the same day. I only ever intended to be in New Zealand for a year and now, four years later, I am still here. But I want to take you back to the beginning of my journey… I left for New Zealand in January of 2016, and arrived in Auckland Airport. There was no a plan. I had no idea what was even in New Zealand. But, I knew that it was going to be an adventure!
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Auckland
I spent seven days in Auckland exploring as much as I could, including walking up Mount Eden, visiting the Sea Life Aquarium and taking a trip up the sky tower. I also took a boat trip over to Waiheke Island and saw the most wonderful sunset on the way back! The city also had great nightlife! Auckland for me, (even though I enjoyed my time here) could have been any city, in any country, and I knew I needed to see more in New Zealand before finding a place to call home. Little did I know how much of an adventure was heading my way!
Paihia
I arrived in Paihia, a little seaside town, quiet and quaint but full of life. Looking back, seven days in Paihia could have been a lot longer! However, I look back on the time there and smile, because it makes me so happy to remember how much I did and how many friends I made in just that short time. Paihia is a place that is full of Māori history, The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840. Once upon a time, Russell Island, which is just a short boat trip from Paihia, was the tiny capital of New Zealand and a day trip away, Cape Reinga signifies the top of the North Island.
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is very symbolic to the Maori people. It is said that it is where their spirits go after they pass on. Their spirits travel up the coast to an ancient Pohutukawa tree where they descend into the underworld (Reinga) by sliding down a roof and into the sea. The spirits then travel underwater to Three Kings Island where they climb out and look back before they make their final journey to their ancestral home of Hawaiiki. Cape Reinga is also know to be where two oceans meet, the Tamsin Sea and the Pacific Ocean, you can see the distinctive line between the two. The view from Cape Reinga was spectacular, the wide open vastness of the oceans, to the white sand dunes that outline the island. I felt very at peace here. Click HERE for more info!
Sand Dunes!
Speaking of sand dunes, if you have never climbed up and sand boarded down a dune, then you’ve been missing out! I won’t sugar coat it, getting up the dune is hard work. You are trying to climb sand that’s failing through your toes, but trust me, once you reach the top, you won’t be disappointed. The thrill you feel as you edge yourself closer to the drop to go back down… WOW it’s a rush, and the spread you rack up is a little terrifying, but I 10/10 recommend you give this extreme sport a try!
Whales
Paihia and the surrounding towns are full of things to do. From taking boat trips to different islands, to walking the forest, to the waterfalls, there is so much to see and do. Kayaking at night, cute restaurants and fine wine right on the waterfront! You might even get lucky and see some unexpected wildlife… we sure were surprised and excited to get a visit from a whale! Just take a look at the picture below:
Final Thoughts
New Zealand is such a vibrant, versatile country. In one day you can seek out your thrill for extreme sports, walk through some of the worlds best vineyards, take a walking movie tour, as many places in New Zealand have links to Lord of the Rings movies, or transport back to the 1920s with a trip to Napier. New Zealand is a place where anything goes, and everyone who visits never leaves disappointed. I just love it here!
I’ll be filling you in on my favorite places and things to do in New Zealand as I go along, including favorite Wellington traditions and haunts; so stay tuned for upcoming blog posts by subscribing to our email list.
If you are interesting in a working holiday visa for the future, check out the New Zealand immigration page HERE!
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